CNN-IBN

New Delhi, May 31: Twenty-year-old Dharmendra was at a hospital in Delhi waiting for treatment of his gangrene-affected foot. But the ongoing doctors strike meant nobody was available to amputate the affected foot.

Srikanth Mangayari, an engineering student from the US was in Hyderabad on vacation when he saw Dharmendra's plight on CNN-IBN.

"When I saw Dharmendra's condition on CNN-IBN, I thought I could do something for him," Srikanth said.

"By the time doctor's call off the strike my son might die. Why is there an emergency ward if they can't take care of patients," Dharmendra's mother, Chinta Devi said.

Seeing Dharmendra's plight Srikanth came to Delhi to help him. But his noble endeavour has hit a roadblock. The surgery will cost Rs 77,000 if conducted at a private hospital and this amount is beyond Srikanth's reach.

"I am only a student doing a part-time job. I appeal to everyone to help Dharmendra," Srikanth said.

Dharmendra's family is also appealing for help. "We are from Bihar and know nobody here. Please help my child. We will be highly grateful," Chinta Devi pleaded.

Ironically, Srikanth backs the doctors’ strike. "I am anti-reservations but I also want to say that some doctors should be available at the OPDs," Srikanth said.

However, his first priority now is to get Dharmendra back on his foot.